Matlacha Pass is a long, multimarker waterway that conn ects the western end of the Okeechobee Waterway with Charlotte Harbor to the north. Channel Daybeacon 37 is on the west side of the channel between Little Pine Island and the mainland.

Patricio Island Anchorage lies off the southern banks of Patricio Island, which borders the non-GICW Pine Island Sound channel, east of Useppa Island and north-northeast of the Waterway’s flashing daybeacon #52. Our thanks to Skipper John for this report.

We enjoyed the solitude of this anchorage for 3 nights. Winds were from the SE at 15-20 mph so we hooked up closer to the Broken Islands. It’s nice to be well off the inter-coastal – we had the place completely to ourselves. If you are into bird watching, you will have your share off the Broken Islands. We were also greeted by a Manatee our first night just after setting the hook.
John

York Island Anchorage is located off the southern shores of York Island, well northwest of the ICW’s flashing daybeacon #13. Our thanks to Skipper John for this report.

We anchored close to York but actually right in front of St James since we wanted a shorter dinghy ride to town. Winds were as predicted from the NW at 10 to 15 MPH so it was a pleasant evening. We got a bit of boat wake bouncing us around in the day time but nice calm evenings. I think there would be less boat traffic in front of York but then you have a longer dinghy ride if you want to go into town. St James is a pretty casual town, a few bars, a minimal general store, nice gift shop, and a pottery shop. Gunk holing the canals of St James in the dinghy was pretty cool.
John

Anna’s comments are in contrast to other more favorable reviews of ‘Tween Waters Marina we have received, such as /149457, but seems to be in line with these comments: /148730. Tween Waters Inn and Marina lies southwest of the Roosevelt Channel’s marker #19 off Pine Island Sound.

My husband and I visited this marina before our vacation to preview it. We drove our car and when we got to the marina we weren’t impressed. The docks were in need of repair with nails poking through. We went into the dock masters office to inquire about pricing…the older lady working there was helpful but the gentleman there was to busy to even acknowledge our presence. We even asked him a question and he never looked up at us. Then we went to check out the restaurant and the older lady working there was very rude to us when we inquired about the menu as they weren’t open yet. Needless to say we will never stay at this place.
Anna

The proposed no-wake zone is primarily around the Boca Grande Swing Bridge at GICW Statute Mile 34.5 at the northern end of Gasparilla Sound. Our thanks to the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs for this report.

South Seas Island Resort was the place to be for fun loving CCCC cruisers March 15, 16 17. Fog early on Tuesday, the 15th, did not deter 11 boat skippers from sailing up the sound and arriving safely at the Resort marina to be assisted by the professional dock crew with lines, power and TV cables. (Two boats did not make the run due to last minute mechanical difficulties.) Phil and Lyn Quick, cruise leaders, had matters in hand and the whole evolution went off without a hitch.
Most people, except for our hard core fishermen, either enjoyed the pool or walks on the beach. There was a get together for “docktails” at 5pm, after which we all boarded the trolley for a run to Doc Fords for dinner. After enjoying the wide variety of seafood and land offerings, accompanied by wines and beers of choice, the group rode the trolley back to the marina. Some boaters even had room left for ice cream!

Wednesday morning in the Chart Room our cruise leaders served a sumptuous breakfast of eggs, sausage, fruit, sweet muffins, muffins…..and more! Those ladies assisting by providing the fruit for the menu saw to it that nobody could claim that the selection was sparse. Most of us chose to walk the beaches for a couple of hours before again lounging at the pool. For lunch, cruisers were on their own to eat on board their boat or at an on-site restaurant. Several of us took the trolley to do some shopping off property. There is a great Mexican restaurant within easy walking distance of the resort, down near the Bubble Room. Two more boats arrived to bring our party to 13.

Dinner was prepared by our leaders and their assistants and served in the Chart Room. You just cannot beat barbecued pork loin with baked potatoes and green beans! After dinner the Second Annual “Not so Newlywed Game” entertained everyone. Apparently, only Jon and Elise “know” each other very well, the rest of us really struggled with the questions. And the jury is still out on our Commodore and his karaoke machine that “makes anyone sound like a professional”. I understand that there is evidence otherwise on Facebook!

Thursday, St. Patrick’s Day, and with everyone wearing green, started with a continental breakfast in the Chart Room. Then it was “on your own” until 4:30 pm cocktails. After happy hour, everyone spread to the winds to find a place to have dinner, most of us selecting the Harbourside Bar and Grill a fine restaurant at the marina. At about 7 pm we reconvened at the Chart Room for a “99” tournament, with tokens supplied by the cruise leaders. Mike and Brenda got no good cards at all and were gone early. Leave it to Dee and “newbie” Joanne to wipe out all the others and win the jackpot at their respective table. Way to go ladies!

Friday dawned spectacularly and the hardy cruise group said a fond “farewell” to South Seas Island Resort and safely proceeded home.

The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

In spite of its name, Gasparilla Marina is not located on Gasparilla Island, but rather it is to be found along the northeastern banks of the GICW, just south of the Gasparilla Island Causeway/Bridge. The entrance to Gasparilla Marina cuts east off the Western Florida ICW. This facility features a well sheltered harbor and offers superior services. Our thanks to David Burnham for these kind words.

I forgot (nothing new at my age) to look at the fuel prices when we left Gasparilla Marina this morning after an overnight stay on our trip across the sandbar from Gulfport FL, to Jacksonville.
But I have to give the folks at Gasparilla Marina two thumbs up for accommodating us as we arrived at 10pm last night and easily found our assigned reserved slip for our 28 foot Catalina “Synergy” right where they’d described it earlier over the phone. Their facilities are first rate (warm on a very cool night) and we enjoyed our short stop over and a cup of coffee before leaving this morning at 8AM for the next leg to Fort Myers.
David Burnham

Redfish Channel, which leads cruisers from the Western Florida ICW’s run through Pine Island Sound, and the entrance channel to South Seas Island Resort Marina have both been completely altered within the last year or so. Several earlier postings here on the Cruisers’ Net have noted this change. Skipper Chris is requesting local knowledge.

I have been through this pass 3 times and I am still confused by the way it is marked. Red Right Return from the Gulf brings you through some very shallow waters. Check your GPS chartplotter coming in’¦.quite unnerving! Thankful I draw only a couple feet. Any insight would be helpful! Only one red marker and it appears to be in the middle of a shoal!
Chris

Picnic Island Anchorage is found off the eastern and northeastern shores of Picnic Island, which itself lies just south, southeast of the ICW/Miserable Mile’s unlighted daybeacon #8.

Good for a lunch hook but it is hard to hold here as the current will rip through here. Better holding and less wave action (boats navigating the miserable mile wake) is to the north. I have used the Merwin key anchorage many times and for week long anchoring . 26Â°30.184’N,82Â°2.867’W safe journey fair winds 2 U.
RJ Schwandner

This fine group of boaters, made up of overnight cruisers from the Cape Coral area, is a cruising club worth following as they visit marinas along the West Coast. ‘Tween Waters Inn and Marina lies southwest of the Roosevelt Channel’s marker #19 off Pine Island Sound.

Those arriving early enjoyed sunning, swimming and chatting around the pool. ‘˜Tween Waters’ tiki hut provided many boaters with its’ famous lunch specials. Arriving by car to enjoy docktails and a fabulous, 2-for-1 prime rib dinner in the Old Captiva House at ‘˜Tween Waters were Commodore Lee & Brenda Jetton, Mike & Brenda Stewart, John & Mary Brehm, Bruce & Sue Longman and Rear Commodore Edie Limbright.
Wednesday morning brought us a clear beautiful day. Each of the cruising couples entertained themselves with swimming, poolside lounging, fishing, reading, or bike rides and long walks through town and on the beach. Kelli & Joe Miller came by car to enjoy docktails complete with Phil Kryger’s famous fish bites.
The official ‘˜Tween Waters cruise leader had been sidetracked at the hospital, so Edie and Jim Limbright arriving on Princess, graciously stepped in with marinated flank steak, cooked to perfection right on the dock using a portable camp stove set up by ingenious Phil Kryger. All crews pitched in providing side dishes.
By Thursday morning, after all the storms had skirted ‘˜Tween Waters, the crews of all boats enjoyed a relaxing day. The Taake’s took their grandchildren to the beach only to sight sharks swimming close to the beach. Needless to say, the pool became very appealing. Our group of 16 had a delightful dinner at The Green Flash, followed by a beautiful sunset.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.
Elise Soyza

Docked at this marina June 3rd 2015 for lunch. Dock-master informed me of `new’ policy, cost $45 TO DOCK FOR LUNCH ! Said I could stay all day and I get a $25 coupon to use on premises. I guess if I got a $25 lunch then docking for the privilege of eating there would only cost $15.00 What a deal! Turned around and promptly left. Cabbage Key is much better and just a little further up the waterway.
Lil Toot

Each year the Cape Coral Cruise Club makes an extended cruise and, after visiting several marinas on the Gulf Coast, sends us their reports. This report is one of eight marinas they visited in April. In spite of its name, Gasparilla Marina is not located on Gasparilla Island, but rather it is to be found along the northeastern banks of the GICW, just south of the Gasparilla Island Causeway/Bridge. The entrance to Gasparilla Marina cuts east off the Western Florida ICW. This facility features a well sheltered harbor and offers superior services.

The final stop before heading back to Cape Coral was Gasparilla Marina. A final happy hour under a huge canopy by the docks gave the cruising members the opportunity to express their thanks to the cruise leaders for arranging a great itinerary, and or course assuring that the winds were calm and the weather outstanding.
The Cape Coral Cruise Club is open to new members who own a boat with overnight accommodations and reside in the Cape Coral / Ft. Myers area. For membership information please contact Phil Kryger at 239-541-0236. View a short picture video of recent Club activities and read additional Club information on its website, www.c-c-c-c.org Like us on Facebook.

Uncle Henry’s Marina is found at the terminus of the long, southward-flowing channel that cuts off from the West Florida Waterway between the old railway span and the Gasparilla Island causeway bridge.

Arrived with a boat club and 11 boats of various types and sizes. Friendly staff, excellent restrooms and showers. Nearby restaurant (Patricks Thai ) was excellent as well. Convenience store within walking, however if you want to do more shopping a golf cart will be necessary. Beaches within dinghy ride distance with good shelling. We will be back.
Jim Merritt

I would add that there is also little protection from wave action when wind is from the south or south east. Wind generated waves wrap around the small peninsula that appears to offer protection from the south.
Rick Parish

June 7 2014
Basically the anchorage is a wide spot in a very active waterway, with fishing boats coming and going constantly (there was a tarpon tournament that weekend). Necessary to `Med moor’ with a stern anchor near the adjacent mangroves to stay out of the water way. Had a NW wind which was helpful, a SW or South wind would tend to push you into the water way. Whenever there are Mangroves there are bugs so be prepared.
Jim Merritt

Sanibel Island Marina is located near the island’s southern tip (Point Ybel), and within walking distance of the lighthouse.

Sanibel Marina is like no other. It is family-owned and there is a lot of attention to detail, including great signage and beautiful flowers. This marina should be a definite stop in your SW Florida cruising adventures. Tom, the Harbor Master, doesn’t know a stranger, and he has a great team.
Gramma Dot’s is simply one of the best restaurants in the area. And, the food is consistently terrific. Take note, Gramma Dot’s is VERY BUSY (open for lunch and dinner) and reservations are not accepted. You must be seated by 8:00 for dinner or you will be heading elsewhere.
If you have a stand up paddle board or kayak, allow time to paddle around the canals and/or out into the bay. Billy’s Bike Rentals will deliver rental bikes upon request. The Ship’s Store has basics. A 1/2 mile walk to the east on Periwinkle will take you to Gepetto’s Beach Foodies for gourmet provisions and amzing pastries as well as to The Lighthouse Cafe for a great breakfast.
Sanibel Marina is special!
Melanie Humphrey

Skipper Colgan describes a channel from the Waterway to South Seas Resort and Redfish Pass which departs the Waterway southwestward and is marked by a series of non-waterway buoys 24, 23, 22, etc into South Seas Resort.

I recently found a channel from GICW to South Seas Resort on Captiva Island with reworked channel markers starting south of ICW “39” in descending order, then making a dogleg to right and eventually leading to Redfish Pass. South Seas entrance is to port prior to Redfish. Redfish Pass is now a straight heading out of 270 with proper buoyage. The 1,4,5 aids on charts have been relocated to mark current channel. South Seas Resort has a handout printed showing both.
Pete Colgan

One of the most important personal marina visits on my Western Florida speaking/research tour of 2/9/14 to 2/16/14, was to call at Boca Grande Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on lovely Gasparilla Island. I knew this facility has just dredged, and sported entirely new docks. And so, it was with more than a little pleasant anticipation that I drove my “land yacht” across the causeway and down the length of the island, on my way to Boca Grande Marina.
The reality I discovered upon seeing the new iteration of this fine facility was NOT disappointing. The new, modern, composite decked docks represent a huge improvement over the old, tired, wooden decked piers. And, tied up in the marina’s wet slips, I discovered a whole host of friends from Isles Yacht Club, where I had just spoken the previous evening. Everyone agreed that Boca Grande Marina was now a facility “worth visiting again.”
I also had lunch at the on-site Eagle Grill, located on the second floor of the building overlooking the harbor. My grouper sandwich was yummy, and the view was all that might be asked. The interior furnishings were what could only be described as “sumptuous.” All in all, a GREAT spot for a memorable lunch or dinner.
Downstairs, cruisers will discover an open air dining choice, known as Miller’s Dockside, recalling the original name of this marina, back in the “bad old days,” thankfully, now long in the past. I did not get the chance to sample the cuisine downstairs, but if it’s anything like the upstairs bill of fare, you will want to make the acquaintance of this dining attraction as well.
As usual, I’ve wandered a bit from my subject, which is to describe Boca Grande Marina’s entrance channel, and the good effects on this passage brought about by the recent dredging. Prior to the dredging project, the problem with accessing Boca Grande Marina was that, for years, a long, long shoal had been building farther and farther to the west from Boca Grande Bayou’s southside entrance point, south of marker #7.
While, due to permitting restrictions, the marina was not allowed to entirely remove this shoal, the dredging did drive it back to the east. That represents a considerably improvement, but Dockmaster Garrett Lown still suggests cruisers observe the following procedure:
After passing marker #7 to its northern side, proceed on to the west for a boat length or so, and only then turn to the south, heavily favoring the westerly shores. This procedure will cause your vessel to pass west of the shoal, and hard by the private homes and docks which flank the bayou’s western shoreline.
I also observed two green, spar type, floating buoys outlining the western and northwestern edge of the entrance shoal. DO NOT APPROACH THESE SPAR BUOYS CLOSELY. They are founded in the edge of the shallow water.
The marina staff also suggests that you give them a call on VHF channel 16 prior to running the entrance channel, and they will be glad to update you on any recent changes to the above procedure.
So, now you know how to safely visit one of the most improved marinas on the Western Florida coastline, and some of the reasons to choose a visit to this facility. There are LOTS more attractions in the nearby village of Boca Grande, all within walking distance, but that’s another story for another day!

a month or so ago i took a dingy ride into this marina, had to push a boat off the bar coming into #7, watch you stern coming in. I have heard the the dockage price is a little steep other then that it looked nice from the water.
nick chavasse sv war depart

Claiborne,
Your praise of Boca Grande Marina was well placed. We love it. However, Millers Dockside Grill is great. However, I don’t look at the old Miller’s Marina as the `bad old days’. It was just different. We loved it, too. It was a happening place with fishing boats coming and going. I have saved one of the `T’ shirts from the 25th anniversary tarpon tournament for a souvenir.
Don on Moonstruck

Claiborne replies:
Captain Don, my reference to the “bad old days,” was not meant to cast light on the old, informal marina as a whole, but rather at what I considered to be very indifferent management in those days. Again, those times are now only a distant memory. The present dockmasters couldn’t be better!

Punta Blanco inner anchorage will be found on the charted bubble of deep water virtually surrounded by Punta Blanco.

If you are looking for a secluded anchorage to hide out from a strong wind, this is the spot! Getting in with a chartplotter isn’t nearly as daunting as it used to be without one- just watch the depth sounder. There is a small sand `beach’ where you can land with the dinghy. We didn’t, but a local boat pulled right up on the sand and the folks went exploring. A long dinghy ride from the state park though.
Jean Thomason

We can attest from a dinghy visit and speaking with those anchored there, that is a nice spot, with a few caveats. If a large boat gets there first and takes up the middle of the deep water, it is tough for another larger boat to fit.
Second, as the description states, it is VERY easy to wind up aground, as we did. It is not always possible to read the water depth visually.
Duane Ising